Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki gives opening remarks during the opening ceremony for the 24th National Disabled American Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo., March 28, 2010. The event is sponsored by the VA Department and Disabled American Veterans. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Desiree N. Palacios(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Shinseki challenged more than 400 disabled veterans participating in the six-day clinic to move beyond their personal comfort zones and press their limits as they learn adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing and try their hand at rock climbing, scuba diving, trapshooting, snowmobile, sled hockey, wheelchair fencing and other activities.

In doing so, he urged them to seek answers to two questions: “What’s possible?” and “Can I do more than I think?”

The answers could become life-changing, he said, noting several disabled veterans who faced doubts about what they could do but proved their potential by earning positions on the 2010 U.S. Paralympic team.

“Life may have changed for these athletes, but they did not,” Shinseki said, calling on veterans at the winter sports clinic to be inspired by their example.

Shinseki said he recognizes that for some participants, especially first-timers, pressing beyond their comfort level is a threatening proposition. He urged them to put any concerns aside and take advantage of every opportunity offered to them at the clinic.

“This week is about making you feel good about yourself, so do it all,” he told them. “You are going to feel the exhilaration and healing power of these mountains.”

Calling the clinic an extension of “the superb rehabilitative care” veterans receive at VA medical facilities across the country, Shinseki said it be more than just a week of adventure and fun.

“It’s about deciding how you live the other 51 weeks of the year,” he said. “So let’s go conquer that mountain!”

The clinic, co-sponsored by the VA Department and Disabled American Veterans, is open to U.S. military veterans being treated at VA facilities for traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments, neurological problems and other disabilities.

Disabled American Veterans National Commander Roberto Barrera called the clinic a highlight of the year for many of the nation’s most profoundly disabled veterans.

“There is no event that comes close, either in terms of participation or the availability of rehabilitative events for the veterans who make the journey,” he said.

While pushing their limits during a full range of activities this week, the veterans also will get to mingle with 2010 Olympic gold medalist Bode Miller and five-time Olympic Alpine skier Casey Puckett.

Retired Army Cpl. Alan “Doc” Babin, who was seriously wounded in March 2003 while serving in Iraq, is among veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan participating in this year’s event. Babin, a medic with the 82nd Airborne Division’s 1st Battalion, 325th Infantry, was rushing to aid a wounded solder when he was hit by small-arms fire that blasted through his stomach.

“I wasn’t expected to survive after I was shot,” said Babin, who endured more than 70 surgeries and spent two and a half years in hospitals, unconscious most of the time.

As he returns to his third winter sports clinic, Babin has proven the value of never giving up. He has competed in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, medaling in quad rugby, and a motorized wheelchair rally. He also reached his personal weightlifting record.

Veterans participating in the 24th National Disabled American Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo., recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the opening ceremony, March 28, 2010. The event is sponsored by the Veterans Affairs Department and Disabled American Veterans. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Desiree N. PalaciosDownload screen-resolutionDownload high-resolution

Airmen from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., post the colors during the opening ceremony for the 24th National Disabled American Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo., March 28, 2010. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Desiree N. PalaciosDownload screen-resolutionDownload high-resolution

Volunteers at the 24th Annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic at Snowmass Village, Colo., prepare rows of adaptive ski equipment for the disabled veterans who will use them as a full range of activities. The event kicks off March 29, 2010. DoD photo by Donna MilesDownload screen-resolutionDownload high-resolution

Veterans attend the opening ceremony for the 24th National Disabled American Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo., March 28, 2010. The event is sponsored by the Veterans Affairs Department and Disabled American Veterans. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Desiree N. Palacios
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Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki greets Alan Babin, an Army veteran and patient at the San Antonio VA Medical Center, during the 23rd National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic on March 29, 2009. Babin was wounded in Iraq while serving as a medic with the 82nd Airborne Division. He is pictured with his mother, Rosalinda Babin. Babin is back to participate in the 2010 clinic. Photo by Bob Peterson Download screen-resolutionDownload high-resolution